1. FC Köln competed against Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV for the signing of Tom Krauß, ultimately securing his transfer.

Werder Bremen is expressing interest in Tom Krauß, who is considering a transfer following his loan period at VfL Bochum. The transfer fee for the 23-year-old midfielder is reportedly over four million euros. Krauß, whose future appears to be in the Bundesliga, has been in contact with Köln's sporting director Thomas Kessler, which suggests his willingness to relocate to Geißbockheim. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV are also attentively observing the developments. Krauß is expected to return to his parent club, Mainz 05, after his loan stint, during which he only missed one match in the second half of the season at Bochum, though he was unable to avert their relegation.